Malin Head

Malin Head Derelicts

On Sunday we set out for Malin Head. The middle of January is not the best time to see the area I am sure; the land looks desolate and barren with a biting wind whipping in from the sea. Various clusters of buildings dot the landscape some bristling with antennae and radio masts behind enormous chain-link fences. When the wind quietens a hush descends with no noise, no movement, an absence of life. This seems a wild, lonely place. Hopefully this is only a winter perspective; sensible folks are wrapped up warm huddled around a crackling fire with homely smells and family chatter.

Looking South-East from Malin Head

All roads lead up to Malin Head itself; a derelict outpost with vacant concrete shrouded shells including what seems to be the remains of a Norman tower house. The monitoring station no doubt has been removed now to a more sheltered location below the head

This headland boasts it is the most northerly point on the Irish mainland and clearly an important strategic lookout post. As well as monitoring the sea route round the head, look-outs also have a commanding view back over the peninsula itself; perhaps it was always as treeless as it is now.

International Markers for Aircraft

On the most northern part, marked out in white stones is the word EIRE - and a few folk have spelled their own names too. I presume this was for the pilots during the war returning from patrolling the Atlantic; Ireland was neutral in the war and their airspace should not be entered by combatants. This was true for the flying-boat base as Castle Archdale on Lough Erne though there, a corridor over Ballyshannon was negotiated to give planes quick access to the Atlantic. I think there was another such base on Lough Foyle.

As we were heading back, we fancied a cup of tea. Not a cuppa could be found; everywhere was closed.